Women Driving Discovery at the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute

Progress in cancer research is driven by sustained scientific inquiry, from fundamental discovery to translational impact. At the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI), many of these advances are being led by women scientists whose work deepens our understanding of cancer and informs new approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Across research areas such as tumour mapping, metastasis, immunology, and therapeutic resistance, women researchers at the GCI are producing discoveries with direct relevance for patients. In 2025 alone, more than 70% of the GCI’s scientific publications were first-authored by women, reflecting their central role in driving discovery and setting research directions at the GCI.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science, marked each year on February 11, offers a moment to recognize these contributions within a broader scientific landscape where women remain less visible in senior academic roles. While participation in science has expanded over time, progression into long-term leadership positions remains uneven across STEMM fields.

At the GCI, women scientists are strongly represented at the trainee level, reflecting both the appeal of cancer research and the scientific strengths of those who choose to train within the GCI. 2026 will follow suit, with the Annual Graduate Recruitment Event that attracted a large majority of women prospective trainees. This depth of talent forms an important part of the GCI’s research ecosystem and contributes to a dynamic environment for discovery and collaboration.

This strength is also reflected at the faculty level. In recent years, women have comprised 50% of new faculty hires, including Katie Cockburn, Ph.D., Heather Melichar, Ph.D., Hannah Garner, Ph.D., and Daniela Quail, Ph.D. Their research programs and leadership help reinforce excellence across career stages, from trainees to independent investigators.

As the GCI continues to expand its research programs, the presence of strong scientific leadership across disciplines remains central to progress. On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the GCI recognizes the contributions of women scientists whose work advances knowledge and helps move cancer research toward meaningful impact for patients.

Read more about women’s impact on advancing cancer research at the GCI:

 Gabrielle Brewer’s (GCI Alumni) project (Morag Park’s laboratory)

Study led by Ting Li (Vincent Giguère’s laboratory)

Saskia Hartner’s new discovery (Logan Walsh’s laboratory)

Hannah Garner’s last study as first author before opening her own lab at the GCI

Nicole Beauchemin’s tremendous impact on colorectal cancer research